Notice Of Acceptance Of Draft EIS And Public Hearing

Pursuant to Article 8 (State Environmental Quality Review Act – SEQRA) of the Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 617, the NYS Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), as lead agency, makes the following Notice:

Agency Jurisdiction(s): New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Adirondack Park Agency, New York State Department of Health

Please be advised that the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) as lead agency, has completed a Draft Environmental Impact Statement encompassing amendments to the Whiteface Mountain Unit Management Plan (UMP). Incorporated within the UMP amendment are provisions for the ski trail widening on the Niagara section of Upper Cloudspin trail, a bypass on a portion of the Excelsior trail, a bypass on a portion of the Lower Skyward trail, the construction of the Tree Island Pod ski trial system, the development of a new expert glade trail system, improvements to Pump House #1, improvements to the Easy Acres Lodge and a new access road between Parking Lot #5 and the maintenance garage are proposed within the existing Whiteface Mountain Ski Area. This notice is being issued pursuant to Section 617.9 (a) of the Environmental Conservation Law. Please also be advised that your agency is being notified to provide public comment on the UMP amendment and the proposed project as it relates to the management of state forest preserve lands within the “Intensive Use Area” of the Whiteface Mountain Ski Area. A public hearing for the Draft EIS shall be held on 08 June 2006, at 7:00 PM at the Whiteface Mountain Ski Area. The comment period for the Draft EIS will end on 23 June 2006.

Location: Schroon Lake Airport on Alder Meadow Road in the Town of Schroon

Comment Period Ends: June 8, 2006

Project Description: The action involves the construction of two paved aprons, totaling 15,600 square feet in size, to provide parking for approximately five aircraft and a 2,800-square foot gravel construction staging area which will be used for automobile parking after completion apron construction.

Project Description: Second and final phase of the Lake Algonquin restoration/dredging project involving the removal of 59,150 cubic yards of sediment from the bottom of Lake by dredging from eight locations totaling 40 acres in combined area to improve navigation and recreation. The areas to be dredged are freshwater wetlands which are not to be eliminated by the project. Dredged material will be disposed of at three separate waste disposal areas which are former sand and gravel extractions. These waste disposal areas, which have a combined capacity of 180,000 cubic yards, were previously approved by Agency Permits 2002-210 and 2002-210A as part of the first phase of the dredging project. The waste disposal areas will be reclaimed by re-vegetation as will all disturbed upland areas. The applicant has prepared and implemented a Watershed Management Plan which is intended as an on-going effort to reduce the overall sediment loading into Lake Algonquin in the future. Dredging for the second project phase is to begin upon issuance of an Agency permit authorizing it. All dredging (both phases) is expected to be completed by October 2007.

Negative Declaration

Saratoga County - The Planning Board of the Town of Greenfield, as lead agency, has determined that the proposed Wayside Inn Planned Unit Development will not have a significant adverse environmental impact. The action involves the Planned Unit Development which includes Inn, apartments, banquet hall. The project is located at 104 Wilton Road.

Saratoga County - The Planning Board of the Town of Greenfield, as lead agency, has determined that the proposed Grace Estates Subdivision will not have a significant adverse environmental impact. The action involves the subdivision of approximately 51 acres into 10 residential building lots. The project is located at 481 Locust Grove Road.

Saratoga County - The Planning Board of the Town of Wilton, as lead agency, has determined that the proposed Blanchard Road Subdivision will not have a significant adverse environmental impact. The action involves a 7-lot residential subdivision with private wells and septic systems. The project is located on Blanchard Road, Route 9 in the Town of Wilton.